Richmond – London’s Secret Green Gem
The town of Richmond in the south-west of London is an amazing green space, a true hidden secret, located just 13kms from the heart of London’s Charring Cross station.
Richmond is the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a Saturday afternoon break immersed in nature, without having to leave Greater London itself. In fact, a visit to Richmond will have you feeling as refreshed as if you’ve gone away for a weekend in the country.
Getting There
Richmond is only 30 mins by train from Vauxhall or anywhere in central London the district line London Underground’s (AKA the Tube), you won’t miss it as the last stop is Richmond.
Park’s Galore in Richmond
It’s likely you’ve already heard about some of Richmond’s famous green spaces – or seen them while watch the hit Apple TV+ show Ted Lasso (Richmond is where most of the filming for the show takes place).
My favourite park is Richmond Park, which is truly amazing to walk through thanks to its expansive greenery filled with wildlife. Expect to see beautiful deer running wild, plus there’s brambles and trees growing so closely together it’s like they’re hugging. Richmond Park is the perfect place for children to build tree houses, plus it boasts the best fireworks shows on Bonfire night (held annually in November).
Kew Gardens is also worthy of a visit with its sparkling cathedral-like design Temperate House, which houses 1500 species of plants. A total of 10,000 individual plants, from around the world living in perfectly managed different temperature zones from around the world. But all in Kew, Richmond!
Kew is so amazing and interesting to walk around – you’ll learn about the different types of trees, species, and botanical plants, the staff are thoughtful, helpful and they often host amazing events for children too.
Shopping in Richmond
For a gentler stroll, as you emerge from Richmond Station take to the streets, you’ll enjoy the shopping it’s the best in London, plus get in your daily steps. The collection of shops you’ll find are interesting and fun to browse. Look out for quirky ones such as Daisy Home – a homeware and gift shop – along with a sweet pedestrian zone full of boutique shops.
Various organic whole food shops such home-made Italian cooking delis also the source with which sells whole food grains from around the world. A huge Holland and Barratt health food store, and a fantastic market in a square – there’s also an amazing option of coffee shops from Starbucks to artisan cafes or if you’re looking for a view you’ll find coffee shops overlooking the river too.
Culture Time in Richmond
For your dose of local of culture there’s a huge Waterstones bookstore to wander around, the Museum Richmond which shares all the local history (and doesn’t even charge an entry fee) as well as The Twickenham Museum. If art is more your thing, you’ll adore the art gallery One Paved Court, it’s known as the small independent jewel in Richmond.
Plus, for something different pop into Comic book shop Raygun which sells collectable vintage items.
Head out at night for a classical music concert at St. Mary’s Magdalene church or enjoy a show at the Richmond Theatre (even the library next door has events going on). In fact, music is famous in Richmond there’s the famous Eel Pie island – and best jazz singing class in London: Richmond and Hillcroft adult community college. Mick Jagger lives on Richmond Hill apparently, along with the Twickenham Jazz club.
You can’t go past a Rugby match at Twickenham simply pick a side and cheer along, and if you do be sure to get there a few hours earlier to enjoy Richmond and its surroundings. Seasonally you’ll also marvel at Christmas lights or Halloween events held at Kew Gardens too.
Out and About in Richmond
Taking a bike for the weekend around Richmond could be super fun for families with or without children, cycling along the river is a beautiful way to spend the day.
Many groups such as the infamous Blue Tits Swimming Club – a cold water swimming club – swim winter, autumn, spring and summer, and there’s beaches its full of people taking picnics and children doing paddle camps at Richmond Canoe club.
The river has two amazing walk/cycle tracks, in one direction you can walk/cycle to Ham house – where there’s fantastic polo matches in the summer. Go the other way and walk/cycle right under trees along the river and reach Kew gardens (right along the river there’s the secret back entrance).
Needing to wind down after your walk or bike ride? Massage and wellness is top priority in Richmond, you’ll find the best massages of every kind for amazing prices on every corner, along with acupuncture centres including Zheng Healthcare.
Dining Out in Richmond
For tasty lunch head to Sebastian’s – a great Italian or Hilltribe – a Thai restaurant that has a great £10 set lunch. In summer many people sit on cushions outside the White Cross Pub or watch the cricket on the cricket grounds opposite The Cricketers pub on The Green
Fun lunch spots to stop at along your walk or bike ride by the river include Gaucho, an Argentinian steak house which is placed smack bang right on the river or if you’re still around for dinner, the outdoor dining combined with German beer offered at Stein’s is a winner or if you’d like something a little more sophisticated then The Petersham Richmond’s restaurant with sweeping views of the river would be perfect day or night.
Nightime Adventures
Twickenham Jazz club is a jazz lover’s dream come true, so head there and take in a magnificent jazz session that you’ll never forget. If you’re a Ted Lasso fan head to The Prince’s Head pub (aka the Crown & Anchor pub in the show itself) for a beer and a classic English meal, plus they have live music every second Saturday and (no surprise) live sport streaming.
